Madison River
Open for the season. Water systems typically operate May through September, weather dependent. Reservations available via Recreation.gov; site 8 has a two-week advance booking window while other sites can be reserved up to six months ahead. 16-day stay limit with a 5-mile/7-day moveout requirement.
Red Flag Warning issued August 10 at 6:45PM MDT until August 11 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MDT TUESDAY DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD AND EAST BEAVERHEAD... The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Red Flag Warning. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111. * TIMING...From noon to 9 PM MDT Tuesday. * WINDS...West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 12 to 25 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
About
Madison River Campground is a small, scenic campground in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, positioned along the legendary Madison River known worldwide for exceptional fly fishing. At an elevation of 5,910 feet, the ten-site campground occupies about seven acres at the southern end of the Gravelly Mountain Range, with Douglas fir forest providing shade and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness just two miles to the west. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and nearby vault toilets and drinking water spigots. Bear-resistant food storage boxes are provided, and a food storage order is in effect from March 1 through December 1. There is no garbage service so campers must pack out all trash. Cell phone service is limited. The campground provides access to approximately 40 miles of the Madison River for fly fishing, with nearby Wade and Cliff Lakes offering additional fishing, boating, and swimming. Hiking trails enter the Lee Metcalf Wilderness across the highway, and ATV trails are popular in the Gravelly Range. Yellowstone National Park's west entrance at West Yellowstone is about 40 miles east, and the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center is a ten-minute drive away.
Directions
Travel south from Ennis for 33 miles on US Highway 287. Approximately one mile beyond the Lyon Rest Area, turn west at signs indicating West Fork RV Camp. Cross the Old Kirby Bridge (maximum height 12'7", maximum weight 4 tons) and turn left onto West Madison Road #8381. Travel about one mile to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!